Noonan: Govt can't force insurers to cover flood-hit areas
The Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said he does not have the power to force insurance companies to offer cover to people in areas prone to flooding.
Mr Noonan says neither he nor the Central Bank can force companies to offer insurance products to specific individuals.
Thousands of people in parts of Cork and Limerick are unable to get insurance for flooding, and are still coming to terms with the damage caused by heavy rains earlier this month.
The State has previously ruled out a scheme to protect householders who cannot get flood insurance, as it would give insurers an excuse not to offer cover to certain households.
